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Weekly Thought

In Awe Of Her Faith

Mark uses the wonderful literary tool of telling a story within a story. In Sunday's lesson, Mark begins by telling us that Jarius comes to Jesus to beg him to come heal his dying daughter. Then the woman who has been hemorrhaging for twelve years appears. She is healed by touching Jesus’ garments and, after speaking to her, Jesus goes and raises Jarius’ daughter from death.

These two stories are not so much healing stories as they are miracle stories. Miracles are mysterious and unexplainable and both these stories have more in common than the fact that two unclean people are healed. From these stories we learn that Jesus cares for the concerns of all. Yes, Jarius’ need is urgent, but Jesus stops to tend to the hemorrhaging woman. We see that Jesus cares for everyone – rich and poor, male and female.

I am in awe of the faith of the hemorrhaging woman. Though some people can criticize others by saying that a death or illness happened because they didn’t have enough faith, I don’t believe that is what we are to take away from these miracle stories. I hope we can take strength from these stories, perhaps be in awe of the faith displayed and yet be gentle with our own faith. Rather than be critical of ourselves, let’s let the stories open our hearts to the mystery of God.

Peace,
The Rev. M.E. Eccles, LPC